1st ever advanced agri-voltaic plant with an integrated BESS system financed in Italy through a project financing scheme
The agrivoltaic plant with expected entry in operation by 2026, will produce yearly 85GWh as clean energy in accordance with the Green New Deal targets
Milano, 17 October 2025 - UniCredit, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, BPER, Banco di Sardegna and Banca Ifigest successfully closed a EUR 46m green loan mini-perm project financing in favor of a special purpose vehicle fully owned by Futura group.
The mini-perm financing, certified as Green Loan in accordance with the "Green Loan Principles", aims at supporting the construction and commissioning of an advanced agrivoltaic plant, with a total capacity of approximately 45MWp, combined with a battery energy system with a 48MWh capacity.
This pioneer project is deemed to be pivotal for the energy transition and for the Italian and regional electricity system stability, combining the grazing and livestock activities within the agrivoltaic facility, ensuring economic and environmental benefits to both the agricultural activity and renewable production, maximizing the related synergies.
The advanced agrivoltaic plant, integrated with a BESS system, is expected to reach has an expected annual production of approximately 85 GWh, is able to cover the energy consumption needs of around 30,000 Italian households. Once in operation, the project will avoid over 18,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions per year, corresponding to a total reduction of more than 450,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent over the plant lifetime.
The cutting-edge asset based project finance transaction was originated, structured and coordinated by UniCredit as Global Coordinator & Bookrunner, Structuring Mandated Lead Arranger, Original Lender, Sustainability Coordinator and Hedging Bank and underwritten also by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, BPER, Banco di Sardegna acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Original Lenders and Hedging Banks and Banca Ifigest acting as Mandated Lead Arranger, Original Lenders and Account Bank, with BPER also acting as Account Bank & Agent.
The agri-voltaic plant, currently under advanced construction phase and expected to be in operation by mid 2026, is eligible to benefit from the GSE Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme.
Simone Micheletti, CEO and founder, jointly with Bruno Fisi, stated: "This project, successfully finalized thanks to the experience and significant track record of Futura Group, and in particular of our Chief Financial Officer Francis Ravano, represents a pioneer project for the industry. It is the first advanced agri-voltaic plant integrated with a BESS system to enter into operation in Italy, backed by a first ever project financing transaction closed in Italy. This move confirms the innovative and cutting-edge approach distinguishing the corporate culture and the people working on daily basis for Futura Group; a team group who keeps growing and pursuing ambitious and sustainable initiatives, closely integrated with the economic and social footprint of the region and local communities. The Project contributes to a more sustainable energy future, while also strengthening the stability of the national electricity grid. It enables the development of marginal and underproductive agricultural land, as well as providing significant economic support for the involved agricultural operators."
Francis Ravano, Chief Financial Officer, also stated "We are very pleased to have successfully concluded this further important financing transaction to support our greenfield pipeline composed of solar, agri-voltaic, and storage plants. I' d really thank our entire Futura Team, without his support we would never have achieved these results".
Paola Garibotti, Regional Manager Northwest at UniCredit, stated: "With the first pioneering project financing in Italy, to support the construction of an advanced agrivoltaic plant integrated with a BESS system, UniCredit confirms its concrete commitment to the transition to a green and sustainable economy by providing both financial and advisory support to customers who want to invest in transforming their production model. We actively support, with innovative green finance solutions, clients who intend to invest in the transformation of their production model, contributing to a more responsible future. This transaction in favor of the Futura Group demonstrates our commitment to providing the communities in which we operate with the tools for success, providing innovative financial solutions capable of generating a positive impact on the country's energy independence, in line with the objectives of European and national programs".
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